I just returned from an unforgettable cruise to the high Arctic, and I spent 11 nights in a suite that costs over $450 per person, per night.
Polar expedition cruises are far from the cheapest cruise options out there, but they provide an unparalleled way to discover Earth’s most remote, untouched destinations. On my Arctic itinerary—a repositioning cruise from Edinburgh to Svalbard—I saw polar bears, sailed through narrow fjords, and visited the northernmost towns on the planet.
My home for the 11-night itinerary was a Classic Suite on the Sea Spirit, a deluxe expedition vessel by polar operator Poseidon Expeditions. For my itinerary, which I booked at the last minute, the cabin cost around $5,000 per person.
The Classic Suite can accommodate two guests. If you’re cruising solo, you can opt to share the room with a fellow passenger, which is common among solo travelers.
At around $450 per night, Poseidon Expeditions’ cruise fare included all food, select beverages, onboard activities, and shore excursions. It also included a pre-cruise hotel stay at the Radisson Blu in central Edinburgh along with transfers to and from the vessel. Only alcoholic beverages, gratuities, and optional add-ons like kayaking were excluded from the fare.
Although you can find cheaper cruises to polar destinations on large, mass-market cruise lines, expedition ships provide a more intimate experience onboard and ashore. The Sea Spirit, for instance, accommodates a maximum of 114 guests. This allows guests to go ashore—even to the most remote areas—via zodiac boat, and expedition guides provide expert insights and advice on the polar regions guests are visiting.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at my Classic Suite cabin on Poseidon Expeditions’ Sea Spirit.
Related: I cruised to Antarctica in a cabin that costs $1340 per night
My cabin was room 341, located on the third deck of the Sea Spirit. While I wouldn’t say there are any bad cabin locations on the ship (there are only five decks of cabins, after all), I enjoyed staying on deck 3 because of its convenience. My room was just steps away from the Oceanus Lounge, where most onboard programming took place, and disembarking for shore landings also occurred on the same deck.
As I walked into the Classic Suite for the first time, I couldn’t help but be surprised by the cabin’s size. At 226 square feet, the stateroom was more spacious than I initially thought it would be. Because I typically sail in tiny, interior cabins on large vessels, I appreciated the amount of walking space in the room.
The room had one king bed, which could be separated into two twin beds upon request. The bed was exceptionally comfortable and perfect for taking a nap after a busy excursion ashore. Of course, being that it was June in the Arctic with 24 hours of daylight, drawing the blinds was a necessity.
A nightstand with a drawer was on either side of the bed, with a lamp placed atop each.
Across from the bed was the Classic Suite’s desk and vanity. Three drawers were on each side of the desk, which was convenient for storage, and additional storage space was behind the vanity’s mirrors. The vanity also had a bright light along the central mirror, which was helpful when getting ready.
Upon arrival in our cabin, the desk was stocked with freebies including a polar-themed reusable water bottle and Arctic guidebooks to reference during the voyage.
Adjacent to the desk was our cabin’s window, which was my favorite feature of the cabin. The window was relatively large and provided an unobstructed view of Svalbard’s grandeur.
Also in the cabin was a plush couch and coffee table, which was a cozy place to sit while reading, enjoying a glass of wine, or organizing my pictures from the day.
A curtain could separate the bedroom area from the couch, so there was never a problem when I wanted to sleep and my cabin mate wanted to stay up, and vice versa.
Near the couch was a television console with even more storage—there were four drawers on each side, along with four cubbies on top.
Packing for an expedition cruise typically involves bringing a wide assortment of accessories. From hats to gloves, binoculars, and camera equipment, it’s crucial to have enough storage space to keep your cabin organized, and my Sea Spirit cabin provided just that.
Under the television was the cabin’s mini fridge, which came stocked with sodas, wines, and spirits. Mini fridge items, however, were an extra charge.
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Near the cabin’s door was a closet with hangers, three drawers, and extra space to put suitcases and backpacks. The closet came equipped with two robes for use while onboard.
The Classic Suite’s bathroom was across from the closet.
The bathroom had modern aesthetics, and I appreciated the small touches like toothbrush holders, a retractable clothesline in the shower, and the dual shower heads. The bathroom was also equipped with body wash, shampoo, lotion, and conditioner.
For an 11-night itinerary, the Classic Suite on Poseidon Expeditions’ Sea Spirit provided everything necessary for a comfortable stay. My cabin was serviced twice per day by my cabin steward, Rodel, and he was incredibly kind whenever we chatted in the ship’s hallways.
One of the benefits of a small expedition ship is the exemplary service, and I always felt well-accommodated by my stateroom attendant and the other hotel staff members onboard.
Near the end of my cruise, I felt sad to say goodbye to my home away from home on the Sea Spirit, but it was the perfect place to call home during my journey to the Arctic.
Feeling inspired to visit the Arctic and Antarctica with Poseidon Expeditions yourself next season? Get an additional discount of $500 USD for cruises in the 2024/25 Arctic season and 2024/25 and 2025/26 Antarctic season by using the code #JENNA500 when booking.
For more details on expedition cruise offerings, contact Poseidon Expeditions directly.
Jenna DeLaurentis
Jenna DeLaurentis enjoys exploring new ports of call around the world on a cruise ship, learning about new cultures, discovering beautiful landscapes, and trying diverse cuisine. She loves to get active while at port, whether cycling through mountains in the Caribbean or scuba diving under the sea.
